Chapter 336: Unwelcome Guests

Upon returning from Byzantium, Li Qing’an immediately convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in the River Region. Although his report to Li Fei Yuanli suggested maintaining the status quo, doing so was not a solution to the crisis. On the contrary, inaction would only deepen it.

Those attending the meeting were the high-ranking military and civil officials currently in Suiye, including Li Fei Yuanli, the top military commander in the River Region, and Luo Qiming, the coordinator of the joint conference for the River Region who had just returned. Luo Qiming was the son of Luo Pinfang from the Yinlong Society and, nominally, Li Qing’an’s uncle. Proficient in Arabic and Sogdian, he was the only official from the Yinlong Society in the Anxi army. Nominally, he served as the coordinator of the joint conferences of the countries in the River Region, akin to the secretary-general of a modern alliance, but in reality, he held the highest administrative power in that region.

The urgent situation in the River Region prompted Luo Qiming to return and report to Li Qing’an. The reports he had prepared while on the carriage were written by him.

“General, esteemed envoys, the sectarian conflicts in the River Region did not start today. Their hatred has endured for years. When the White Arabs ruled the region, they forced Islam upon the people, oppressed Zoroastrians, sold many of them as slaves, and destroyed their temples. Back then, the hatred between Zoroastrians and Muslims was already deep, and Zoroastrian uprisings occurred repeatedly but were brutally suppressed. Now that the Tang army has occupied the River Region and is supporting the Zoroastrians to some extent, their decades-old hatred has erupted, leading them to retaliate doubly against Muslims. This is the root of their conflicts. The disputes over temples are merely superficial. I suspect the Arabs have sent people to incite unrest there. Bukhara, being closest to the Arabs, is likely the result of their instigation.”

At that moment, Li Fei Yuanli stood up and said, “In my opinion, we should, just as the Muslims suppressed the Shiite uprisings in the past, use brutal violence to make the Muslims submit. We must not show mercy.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a cold snort was heard. Li Qing’an turned to see Cui Qianyou, who had also just returned that day to report to him and thus attended this emergency meeting to discuss the situation in the River Region.

Seeing that Cui Qianyou seemed to have something to say, Li Qing’an waved his hand, asking him to wait before speaking. He then turned to Luo Qiming and asked, “Do you have any plan to resolve this crisis? That’s what I really hope to hear in your report.”

Luo Qiming bowed and said, “I have also considered this. In my opinion, first and foremost, we must not be too biased in favor of the Zoroastrians. Doing so will not resolve the issue but instead intensify the conflict—this is the lesson we’ve learned over the past year. Originally, as long as we took a fair stance, we could act as mediators to bring the two factions together for negotiations. But now, because we’ve been too biased in favor of the Zoroastrians over the past year, the Islamic Shiites no longer trust us and have begun to view us with hostility. As a result, we have lost our role as mediators. Therefore, I believe we should severely reprimand the Zoroastrians and prevent them from recklessly destroying mosques everywhere, thereby easing tensions with the Shiites. After that, the joint council should take the lead, while we mediate behind the scenes to find a compromise acceptable to both sides. We must then take decisive actions to stabilize the situation and counter the infiltration of the Abbasids into Transoxiana. I believe only in this way can we truly put an end to the unrest in Transoxiana.”

Li Qing’an sensed there was more to Luo Qiming’s words. In fact, Luo was implying that it was Li Fei Yuanli’s interference in Transoxiana’s affairs that had exacerbated the conflict, but he dared not offend Li Fei Yuanli and thus did not say so outright. Li Qing’an nodded and then turned to Cui Qianyou, asking, “General Cui, do you have any good solutions?”

Cui Qianyou had always wanted to replace Li Fei Yuanli as the military and political leader of Transoxiana, so he certainly wouldn’t miss this opportunity. He stood up, bowed to Li Qing’an first, then bowed to everyone else, and said slowly, “I believe the solution for Transoxiana should be a combined approach. In the long run, I support Envoy Luo’s plan. We indeed need to gradually build trust among the followers of the two religions. The Tang army must not get involved in sectarian conflicts, let alone side with the Zoroastrians. This was a major mistake made by General Li Fei over the past year.”

Upon hearing his name called out, Li Fei Yuanli’s expression changed instantly. Just as he was about to lash out, Li Qing’an glared at him fiercely, scaring him into swallowing back his angry words. In fact, Li Qing’an was also dissatisfied with Li Fei Yuanli. When he handed over Khwarazm to Li Fei Yuanli and Luo Qiming, he had repeatedly emphasized that the Tang army must not side with either party. Unless they intended to overthrow Tang rule, the army was not allowed to get involved in local disputes. Religious conflicts could only be resolved through joint meetings. Unexpectedly, Li Fei Yuanli ignored his instructions and sent troops to help Zoroastrians destroy mosques, thereby intensifying the conflict and turning the Shiites against the Tang army. They even started shouting slogans like “Drive the Tang army out of Khwarazm” and “Kill Li Qing’an.” This was truly regrettable, and Li Fei Yuanli indeed bore undeniable responsibility for this issue. Cui Qianyou was right.

But now was not the time to punish Li Fei Yuanli. Anxi was facing internal troubles and external threats, and more conflicts could not be tolerated. Instead of rebuking Li Fei Yuanli, he said to Cui Qianyou, “Go on. What are the short-term solutions?”

“My short-term solution is to divide and rule—that is, separate the Shiites from the Zoroastrians. Since Bukhara is the most troubled area, we should start there. The Misi River flows through Bukhara, dividing it in two. We can use the river as a boundary, keeping each group on their own side and preventing them from interacting. As for the mosques that sparked the riots, they should be temporarily closed, preventing Muslims from praying there. This should help ease the Zoroastrians’ dissatisfaction. At the same time, we should conduct thorough searches throughout the city to find spies sent by the Arabs.”

Cui Qianyou’s plan reminded Li Qing’an of the later partition of India and Pakistan. Although it might lead to future problems, it was indeed a quick way to resolve conflicts. However, Li Qing’an thought of relocating Muslims west of the Amu Darya River, to Khorasan, where they could establish their own state under Shiite rule. This would create a hostile state to the Arabs in the west, serving as a major restraint on them. He couldn’t rely too much on Byzantium.

But that was for later. Li Qing’an didn’t want to mention it for now. He nodded and said, “General Cui’s plan can be one of the alternatives. Does anyone have a better idea?”

Just as an emergency meeting was held overnight in the Government Hall, an uninvited guest arrived at Li Qing’an’s home. In the main hall of his residence, Mingyue, Wuyi, and Rushi Ruhua sat with serious expressions. Across from them sat Princess Eleni of Byzantium, who had just returned from Frozen City, with Xiao Lian sitting beside her, looking embarrassed—she served as their interpreter.

Eleni was originally their honored guest, but as soon as she entered, she said something that made them look at each other in surprise. She had come to discuss their marriage to Li Qing’an. That very statement caused her to lose her status as a guest; not even a cup of tea was offered to her.

Wuyi sat below Mingyue, with their seats less than a foot apart. This arrangement was made by Rushi Ruhua on purpose. Ever since they had argued in front of Li Qing’an the previous night, they hadn’t spoken a word. It was thanks to Rushi Ruhua that they agreed to sit together. By persuading them earnestly, she helped ease their tension, preventing it from worsening. Especially since Li Qing’an had left in anger for the Government Hall the night before, Wuyi also felt somewhat regretful. That very afternoon, she sent someone to invite the sister of Colonel Zhao and returned her engagement notice, renouncing the marriage.

Mingyue learned of this soon. Although she knew it was actually Li Qing’an’s decision, the incident itself showed that Wuyi was making concessions, which gave her some face and reduced her anger.

So when Rushi Ruhua arranged for her to sit with Wuyi, she didn’t say anything. Though they still didn’t speak, at least they were sitting together.

At that moment, Mingyue noticed that the red treasure bow on Eleni’s back seemed to be the same one from Li Qing’an’s carriage. The more she looked at it, the more familiar it seemed, until she couldn’t help but mutter to herself, “That bow looks so familiar.”

Although Mingyue was talking to herself, her voice was a bit loud. Wuyi, sitting next to her, heard it and immediately focused on the bow. She had handled it before and knew it better than Mingyue. She recognized it at first glance and said, “It really is the bow from the carriage.”

The two exchanged a look, both filled with surprise. Li Qing’an would never give away his bow easily—how could it be in this Western princess’s possession? Could it be…?

Realizing their shock, Eleni took the bow in her hands and smiled proudly, saying, “This bow was indeed given to me by Li Qing’an. It’s his token of affection.”

Xiao Lian was so frightened that she almost fell. She didn’t dare translate that sentence, so she mumbled, “She said this bow was a gift from my elder brother.”
Unexpectedly, Ruhua, who had remained silent until then, could understand a few words in Turkic. She caught the key words used by Eirwenni and interjected, “That can’t be right! She said it was a token of engagement—I understand that phrase.”
At her words, the other three women were stunned. After a long while, Mingyue said to Xiao Lian, “Xiao Lian, don’t hide anything. This matter is very important to us. Deliberately hiding it from us isn’t for our good; it will only ruin everything. Do you understand?”
Xiao Lian nodded, her face red. “Sister Mingyue, I understand.”
“Good! Ask her what exactly her relationship with Dalang is and what a token of engagement means.”
Xiao Lian translated, and Eirwenni smiled. “Is it necessary to ask? Last night, I became his wife, which is why I came to see you all.”
Xiao Lian couldn’t speak, stammering before finally saying, “She said she became intimate with my elder brother last night, so that’s why she came to see you.”
“You’re talking nonsense!”
Wuyi was furious, tears welling up. Last night, Li Lang should have been with her, but instead he went after this fox spirit.
“Don’t worry. Let me ask her!”
Mingyue knew the princess was telling the truth. It was very likely she had become intimate with her husband, which was why she got this bow. Though she was filled with hatred, she remained calm and asked Eirwenni, “Then why did you come to see us?”
Eirwenni replied calmly, “I remember telling you that I personally killed my former fiancé because he betrayed me and had another woman. I would never accept my husband having another wife. My beliefs require monogamy. I also asked specifically—Tang Dynasty allows couples to separate if they can’t have children. It seems a divorce letter is enough in such cases. So I hope you’ll leave Li Qingan on your own, because I want to marry him.”
Eirwenni’s words were like a thunderclap, stunning the four of them. They had never heard such absurdity, yet the princess spoke seriously, not at all like she was joking. At that moment, Ruhua said with dry lips, “Sisters, it seems she’s telling the truth. I’ve heard that the religion practiced by the Byzantines requires monogamy.”

Moonlight shook her head and said to Eirwen seriously, “Princess, I respect your beliefs and your views on marriage. But I am Li Qing’an’s legally wedded wife, and the other girl, Wuyi, is also Li Qing’an’s wife—she ranks second only to me. She, too, has received an imperial decree and is protected by the laws of the Tang Dynasty. As for these two sisters, they are also Li Qing’an’s wives, wives I acknowledge. This is the marriage system of our Tang Dynasty. If you wish to marry Li Qing’an, you must obtain my acknowledgment and consent. But I’m sorry—I cannot accept you. I hope you can find a husband who shares your beliefs; that would be the best fit for you. Li Qing’an is not.”

After hearing the translation, Eirwen sneered twice and said, “I know you don’t want to leave Li Qing’an, and I understand. After all, I’m a woman too. But I’ll persuade my father to use what Li Qing’an desires most as a dowry. I hope you can understand that marriage is often more of a transaction of interests between nations.”

With that, she turned and walked away. Moonlight watched her back disappear before sighing softly and saying to Wuyi, “Sister Wuyi, I’d like to talk to you.”

……

Women are mostly emotional creatures who tend to make decisions based on their feelings. When they’re in a fit of anger, simple matters can become quite serious. But when they’re calm or happy, even serious issues can seem simple. Of course, there’s another situation: when they encounter something they consider more serious, the original serious issue becomes less important. Moonlight and Wuyi fell into this last category. Though they were arguing over the rights and duties of wives and concubines—issues that were very important to both of them—their dispute became unimportant when their marriages were threatened by a third party. They needed to reach some compromise to deal with that threat together.

In a small room in the eastern courtyard, the two women who had been arguing for two days finally sat face to face, with no one else present. Moonlight sighed softly and apologized to Wuyi, “I was too impulsive. I assumed certain things were obvious without considering your feelings. Yunu is like a sister to you, and I shouldn’t have interfered in her marriage. I’m sorry.”

Wuyi is the typical type of person who yields easily but refuses to back down. If others show her respect, she returns it even more. She has no scheming intentions; all she wants is a sense of self-respect. Mingyue’s firmness only makes her self-esteem more sensitive and intensifies her resistance. But when Mingyue takes the initiative to apologize, her resistance vanishes, and she even becomes more accommodating than Mingyue. Of course, the rudeness and threats from the Byzantine princess also fill her with anger. She realizes that she must unite with Mingyue to protect their marriage.

Wuyi lowered her head and remained silent for a long time, sighing inwardly before softly saying, “Actually, I should be the one to apologize. After all, you are the head of the household and my elder. I should have discussed Yu Nu’s matter with you, shared my opinions, and listened to yours. We could have found a solution together. But I rejected you harshly without considering the situation—that was my fault. I should have thought of your feelings. I apologize to you!”

With that, Wuyi bowed to Mingyue. Mingyue immediately stopped her, took her hand, and smiled, saying, “We’re sisters, part of the same family. It’s normal for there to be conflicts among family members. If we understand each other, everything can be resolved. I’m not narrow-minded. I definitely won’t hold this against you, and I hope you won’t either. Let’s remain good sisters from now on.”

Mingyue’s tolerance made Wuyi feel a bit ashamed. She nodded and said sincerely, “I won’t hold this against you. From now on, I’ll call you Sister Mingyue. After all, you’re the elder, and I’m the younger one.”

“Then let’s keep calling each other by our names. I’ll call you Sister Wuyi, and you call me Sister Mingyue. That way, it’s balanced.”

Mingyue also felt ashamed inwardly. It was only today that she understood the truth—that resolving conflicts should be tailored to each person, not through force. Sometimes stepping back can resolve issues easily, especially with Wuyi. By giving her some dignity, she would be more willing to compromise, thus resolving their conflict. Mingyue was very relieved. As the head of the household, if she couldn’t resolve the conflict with Wuyi, it would be seen as her incompetence. Now that the problem was solved, she felt a joy of success.

She took Wuyi’s hand and sat down, then said angrily, “Now let’s discuss how to deal with that playboy in our family!”

Mingyue stood up, went to the door, and ordered a maid to invite the Ru Shi Ru Hua sisters over.

Seeing Mingyue’s serious expression, Wuyi became uneasy and asked, “Do you think he’ll really marry that Western woman?”

“What do you think?” Mingyue asked in return.
Wuyi thought for a moment before saying, “I know that many marriages are indeed arranged for the benefit of two countries. If that woman hadn’t insisted on monogamy, perhaps Dalang would have taken her as a concubine or secondary wife. But I don’t think Dalang would abandon us because of her.”
As Wuyi spoke, seeing Mingyue still worried, her heart tightened as well. She asked, “Am I wrong?”
“I know. I should believe that Dalang isn’t that heartless and ungrateful.”
Mingyue sighed and took Wuyi’s hand, saying, “But I’m really worried. I don’t understand men’s hearts. Some men will sell their own relatives for power and positions. My father is such a person. He not only wanted to give me to the emperor but also forced my elder sister to marry a Khitan man because of him. She died tragically in a foreign land. Wuyi, I’m really nervous.”
“Don’t worry about your elder sister!”
Wuyi comforted her gently, saying, “I don’t think Dalang would ever marry a Western barbarian woman as his main wife. That would not only upset the soldiers in Anxi but also be unacceptable to the people of the Central Plains. I don’t think Dalang is that stupid.”
Mingyue was too involved in her own worries. Her father’s actions had left a shadow on her, and the Byzantine princess’s mention of an alliance between Anxi and Byzantium made her think such a thing might be possible. Coupled with her inability to conceive, she feared her husband might really divorce her to marry the Byzantine princess. But Wuyi’s words reminded her—yes! If her husband really married a Western barbarian woman as his main wife, could the people of the Central Plains still tolerate him?
Realizing this, Mingyue’s mood improved, and she secretly thanked Wuyi. At that moment, the door opened, and the Ruohua sisters came in. Seeing Mingyue and Wuyi chatting happily, they were both surprised and thought to themselves, “They were arguing fiercely last night—how did they reconcile so quickly?”
Ruohua reacted quickly. She immediately understood and said with a smile, “Elder sister, it’s because of that woman from earlier, right?”
“That’s right!”
Mingyue pulled them over and said with a smile, “Sit down quickly. Let’s discuss together how to teach our playboy brother a lesson.”

After the meeting, Li Qingan returned home. As soon as he entered, he was struck by the same sense of emptiness and solitude as yesterday. It wasn’t like this when he used to come home—at least two of his wives would greet him with smiling faces, ask after his well-being, and pull him to eat. The whole family would laugh and chat around the dinner table. But since yesterday, that warm and harmonious atmosphere had vanished. Li Qingan felt depressed—like a fish caught in the crossfire when the city gates caught fire.

Yet something puzzled him. Not only were his wives nowhere to be seen, but there were no servants either. The entire mansion was pitch black, as if everyone had gone to bed in the dead of night. But it was still early—what was going on?

He passed through the outer door and entered the central courtyard. The side room where his wives usually gathered was brightly lit—the only room with light. Could it be Ru Shi? Delighted, Li Qingan hurried over. With a creak, he pushed the door open, and a bright light blinded him. When his eyes adjusted, he was stunned.

The room was well lit, and his four wives were sitting together, whispering. When they saw him return, they all stopped talking and sat up straight. Li Qingan couldn’t believe his eyes. He had clearly seen Mingyue talking to Wuyi just moments ago. Confused, he wondered if they had reconciled.

“Women’s hearts are truly unfathomable!” he sighed. They had been arguing fiercely the previous night, yet now they seemed reconciled again. Relieved, he stepped forward with a smile, saying, “Why are you all here? It seems you’re not very welcoming!”

All four women’s expressions darkened, and none of them paid him any attention. Li Qingan was puzzled. “What’s going on?”

Mingyue stood up and said to the other three, “Sisters, it’s getting late. Let’s go back and rest.”

Wuyi and Ru Shi Ru Hua also stood up and walked past him, ignoring him completely. Li Qingan grew annoyed. If they had something to say, they should just say it outright. Was this some kind of threat? His expression darkened as well.

“Stop right there!” he ordered in a low voice.

For the first time, Li Qingan, who was usually decisive and in control, saw his orders ignored. His four wives paid him no attention—no hesitation, no reluctance. They quickly left the side room and headed straight back to the inner chambers, leaving Li Qingan alone in the side room.

He stood there motionless, puzzled and annoyed. After a while, he grunted heavily and turned to head back to his study. The study was pitch dark; he fumbled to light the lamp and plopped down in his wicker chair, brooding in silence. He hadn’t had dinner yet, but no one paid him any attention—not even Rushi came to see him. Li Qing’an was extremely confused. If even Rushi ignored him, it meant things were serious. What exactly had happened? Could it be…?

Li Qing’an suddenly thought of Ailenni. Had they found out? It couldn’t have been on the ship—they couldn’t possibly know. If it wasn’t that, then why? Could it be that he hadn’t slept at home last night, angering them? That seemed unlikely too; if so, at least Rushi wouldn’t be angry.

His mind wandered aimlessly, but he couldn’t figure anything out. He curled up in the wicker chair and fell asleep without realizing it. In the middle of the night, he was awakened by a rustling sound. The study was completely dark—the lamp must have gone out sometime. Looking out the window, he saw the stars twinkling in the night sky; it was still night. Li Qing’an woke up with a sore back. He struggled to turn over, and at that moment, he suddenly felt as if there was someone in the study. He stayed motionless, pretending to snore, but his ears were like radar, catching every slightest sound in the room.

He heard faint footsteps approaching him. Li Qing’an narrowed his eyes. The footsteps stopped beside him, followed by a soft sigh. Suddenly, he felt a weight on him—a thick blanket was draped over him, its corners carefully tucked around him. Li Qing’an recognized the sighing voice—it was his concubine Rushi.

Just as the footsteps were about to leave the room, Li Qing’an suddenly said in a deep voice, “I haven’t eaten all day. Don’t you care at all?”

It was Rushi who had come to cover him with the blanket. Although they had agreed that for three days, no one would pay Li Qing’an any attention to make him suffer the consequences of betraying his family, by night, Rushi couldn’t help but come and cover him with a blanket—only to be caught by him.

Rushi stood frozen at the door as if nailed in place. Though her husband not eating all day made her heart ache, the other woman’s provocation also angered her greatly. She was deeply conflicted—should she prepare food for him or not?

“Tell me the truth. What exactly happened?”

It was fine that Li Qing’an didn’t ask about this matter, but once he did, it reminded Ru Shi. The four of them had agreed that if she betrayed them, it would offend the other three as well as their mistress, Mingyue. Thinking of this, Ru Shi said coldly, “You know best what you’ve done. There are some snacks on the table; eat if you’re hungry.” She opened the door and stepped out quickly. “Stop!” Li Qing’an called out behind her, but Ru Shi didn’t look back and walked away even faster. Li Qing’an lay down helplessly, sighing deeply. It seemed they must have already learned about the Byzantine princess. At dawn, Li Qing’an quietly left home.